All Obituaries

Bruce Charles McDonald, 58, of Canton, died unexpectedly over night on Monday, November 4, 2019 at his home.  Bruce was born on January 7, 1961 in Neptune, New Jersey, the son of the late John and Jane (Wykoff) McDonald. Bruce was a Union Carpenter, and although he wasn't born in Canton, he had made it home for many years.  Calling hours for Bruce will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton, followed by...

Jody B. Sharlow, 55, of Potsdam, died peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at his home where he was with his family and under the care of Hospice. Jody was born June 4, 1964 in Canton, the son of the late Alvin and Elizabeth (Corcoran) Sharlow. He graduated from Colton-Pierrepont High School. He was a bricklayer and stone mason by trade. In June of 1987 he married Dawn Briggs. He enjoyed playing golf with his wife, sons and brother Tim, riding his motorcycle and telling jokes....

John F. Thomas, 92, of Potsdam died on Thursday, October 24, 2019 while in the comfort of his home, where he was surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care. John was born October 10, 1927 in South Colton, the son of the late Park and Freda (Selleck) Thomas. John graduated from Canton High School and served in the US Army from 1944 – 1948 in the Pacific Theatre. He was employed by Local 322 Construction Union in Massena. John enjoyed watching...

Bernard L. Holmes, 79, of Lisbon, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg where he had been a patient for a short time. In accordance with his wishes, Bernard was cremated. There will be a Celebration of His Life on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 11:00 am till 2:00 pm in the community room at the Madrid Library.  Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US...

Elmer N. Votra “Jr.”, 90, of Canton, died on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. He was reunited with his beloved Norreen on their 71st anniversary. Elmer was born on July 9, 1929 in Parishville, the son of the late Elmer Leo and Marion (Bush) Votra. He graduated from Parishville High School. On October 23, 1948, he was united in marriage with Norreen Andrews. She predeceased him August 16, 2013. Elmer was an avid truck driver for many years....

Mrs. Dorothy A. Briggs, 91, formerly of Canton died peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida, at the home of her daughter Helen, where she was in the company of family. Dorothy was born January 24, 1928 in Plattsburgh, New York; the daughter of the late Joseph and Marguerite (Amlaw) Manor. Dorothy attended school in Old DeKalb and Ogdensburg City Schools and Canton High School. On December 10, 1945, she married John Briggs at St. Mary’s Church in Canton with Rev....

Geoffrey G. Cary, 57, of Sanfordville, died on Monday, October 14, 2019 in the comfort of his home, where he was in the care of his loving wife Linda. Geoff was born October 1, 1962 in Potsdam, the son of George and Joan (Miller) Cary. He attended Potsdam Schools. On March 12, 1991, Geoff was married to Linda Peters. Geoff worked for a few different trucking companies and long with his father and for himself installing flooring. For the last 20 plus years, he has been proudly working for...

Colleen M. Murdock, 83 of Canton died at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 where she had been a patient for a short time. Colleen was born February 2, 1936 in Lisbon, the daughter of the late Walter and Evelyn (Lewis) Holmes. She graduated from Lisbon High School. Colleen married Lester Murdock in February of 1954. Together, Colleen and Lester raised four children; Barbara, Frederick, Theodore (Rita) and Steven (Kenelia). Colleen was a homemaker, she enjoyed...

Kevin Gibbins passed away after a long battle with cancer on September 21, 2019 at his home, where he was under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care. He will be dearly missed by his sister Donna, Niece, London, Brother in Law Lowell, cousin Patricia, second cousin Diane and Cathrine. Along with many friends, who were so extraordinary in his extraordinary life. He was a conservationist, environmentalist who loved the planet, was a gifted painter, and a brilliant man, who was completely in...

Richard Sackett, 69, of Potsdam, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 in the home he was born in. He was surrounded by his family, and under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley. Richard was born September 12, 1950 to Elmer and Nodine (Lamb) Sackett. He graduated from Potsdam High School. In November 1973 he married Deborah A. Bogart in Heuvelton; she predeceased him on September 1, 2009. A good portion of his life was spent working on the family...